Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Orchard Vets is a well-established small animal practice in the heart of Romsey, serving the community for 35 years. Following recent expansion into Ashurst, Fair Oak, and Bassett, the practice continues to grow while maintaining its reputation for excellence and high-quality care.

You'll join a clinical team of 7 veterinary surgeons, 7 RVNs, 2 student nurses, and support staff as an integral member delivering nursing care to a varied range of first-opinion cases. This 12-month fixed-term maternity cover position is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) with occasional Saturday mornings (8.30 to 12.30). There is no on-call work, as out-of-hours emergencies are handled by Vets Now. The practice actively encourages clinical freedom, case continuity, and your own clinical interests with full team support.

The role is primarily based at Romsey, though occasional shifts at the Ashurst branch may be needed during holiday or sickness cover. The practice is well-equipped with in-house facilities including dental radiography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, K-Laser, VetScan, Imagyst, and cryotherapy, with access to the local IVC referral centre for complex cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to patients and support excellent client experiences
• Work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons on medical and surgical nursing for first-opinion cases
• Take responsibility for patient nursing care and contribute to clinical standards within the practice
• Support ongoing development and quality improvement initiatives across the team
• Manage workload effectively and build positive relationships with clients and colleagues

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (essential)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and effective workload management
• Proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Confident, motivated team player with commitment to high standards of care

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off, with increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave
• RCVS and VDS fees covered by the practice
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Pension scheme
• Certificate support
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts with hundreds of retailers
• Flexible working options available

About the Practice

Orchard Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The Romsey practice is a well-established independent first-opinion centre with a strong reputation for clinical excellence, staff development, and community engagement. The practice has undergone significant expansion and is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including laparoscopy, endoscopy, laser therapy, and in-house imaging.

The practice is committed to quality improvement initiatives, having undertaken projects such as reducing antibiotic usage and introducing in-house ear cytology. The team culture emphasises care, community, and continuous improvement, with clear career pathways available for progression into senior nurse, referral, or leadership roles.